Kyle Freeland, the Rockies’ first-round draft pick last year and a former Thomas Jefferson High School standout, remains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and hasn’t pitched in a game this season.

Freeland, a left-hander drafted with the No. 8 pick out of the University of Evansville, is rehabbing from shoulder fatigue and from minor surgery to have bone chips removed from his arm, Rockies senior director of player development Zach Wilson said.

Colorado Rockies left fielder Corey Dickerson grimaces as he walks off the field during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres on April 20, 2015, at Coors Field. Dickerson left game and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

It was the news that left fielder Corey Dickerson, looking primed to build on his breakout 2014 season, has plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He’s been trying to play through it, but the pain forced him to leave Monday’s game after his at-bat in the third inning.

“Dickerson has been dealing with some planter fasciitis and after that at-bat he came out of the box and that thing bit him,” manager Walt Weiss said.

Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado #28 makes a throw to first to end the top of the seventh inning during an MLB game against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on April 22, 2015, in Denver. (Daniel Petty, The Denver Post)

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado’s all-star start to the season has been derailed.

The two-time Gold Glove winner was a late scratch for Monday night’s game against the Padres because of what the club called a sore left wrist. He’s listed as day to day.

After the game, Arenado said he hoped to be back at third base for Tuesday night’s game against San Diego.

“This is nothing chronic, just some soreness,” he said. “I’ve never had this before. I think I’ll be fine.”

Colorado Rockies pitcher Jorge De La Rosa winds up in the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, in San Francisco. (Ben Margot, The Associated Press)

MILWAUKEE — Relief is on the way for the Rockies’ starting rotation.

Lefty Jorge De La Rosa, the club’s best pitcher, is on pace to return to the team on April 14 in San Francisco. That’s the first day the Rockies will need to utilize a five-man rotation.

“I feel good … my arm feels perfect,” De La Rosa said Monday morning before the Rockies’ season-opener against the Brewers at Miller Park.

This all started on March 26, 2014. During an 8-6 loss in a Cactus League game against San Francisco, Rockies owner Dick Monfort said he believed his team would win at least 90 games this season.

The math, of course, seemed questionable, so The Post’s Mark Kiszla questioned him about it.

“When Tulo and CarGo both play in the same game, I think we win 60 percent of the time,” Monfort said. “So you take 60 percent times 160 games and that’s 96 wins.”

His positive/idealistic/irrational calculation would have required the Rockies’ stars, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, to have stayed healthy (they didn’t), and for Brett Anderson to have filled a void in the Rockies’ rotation (he didn’t).

The injuries piled up almost as quickly as the losses did, and on Sunday, against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, the Rockies closed out their season in the most predictable fashion: with a loss. Colorado was hammered 10-5 in L.A., bringing its 2014 record to 66-96.

Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies slides in to score the winning run in the ninth inning on a hit by Nolan Arenado at Coors Field on May 20, 2014, in Denver. The Rockies defeated the Giants 5-4. (Justin Edmonds, Getty Images)

Already hampered by tendinitis in his left knee, Rockies all-star left fielder Carlos Gonzalez now has something else slowing him down.

CarGo left Wednesday night’s game against the Giants before the eighth inning because of an inflamed and swollen left index finger that makes it difficult for him to grip the bat. He is listed as day to day.

The same finger injury popped up earlier this month. He felt it flare up on May 1 against the Mets and then missed a game the next day.

Gonzalez went 0-for-2 with a walk Wednesday before leaving the game. He is hitting .276 with seven home runs this season.

ATLANTA — Following injuries to stars Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies flew Ian Stewart to Atlanta today, where he was activated. And, instead of using him to reinforce a limited bench, Stewart will start today at third base against the Braves.

To make room, the Rockies dropped rookie outfielder Cole Garner, who was called up Monday from Colorado Springs.

“This is an ideal opportunity for Ian Stewart,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Tuesday. “This is Ian’s opportunity to step up and make a statement.”

The Rockies’ bench is short because of recent injuries. Gonzalez (bruised right wrist) is not expected to play until Thursday at the earliest. He won’t even attempt to swing a bat until Wednesday. Tulowitzki left Monday’s game in the fourth inning with a tight right quad. He won’t be in the lineup today, though he could return before the series ends on Thursday.

TEMPE, Ariz. — John Maine’s reaction to his outing is, in many ways, why the Rockies signed him. The right-hander was upset about his second inning when the Angels roughed him up today.

“I am tired of worrying about just getting my legs underneath me and working on stuff,” Maine said. “I need to pitch. You won’t see me throwing that slop out there again.”

Maine responded with a strong third inning. His final line was encouraging, enough to keep him hanging around in the fifth starter’s competition with Esmil Rogers and Greg Reynolds. Maine worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He sat between 88-91 mph on his fastball and his slider hit 86 mph with his straight change between 83-86 mph. He struck out a hitter with a slider, a strong indication that his arm is recovering.

“I am not thinking about my health. It’s about getting out there and competing,” Maine said.

Stewart DHs
Ian Stewart enjoyed a nice return after a 15-day absence due to a sprained and bruised right knee. Serving as the team’s DH, Stewart went 2-for-4 in five at-bats with two singles and an RBI and a walk. He blooped a single to left and also hit a hard groundball to right.

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A Colorado Rockies trainer tends to Miguel Olivo after Olivo was hit in the head by a bat swung by St. Louis Cardinals batter Albert Pujols.

ST. LOUIS — Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo sustained only a mild concussion Friday night after being struck in the head and neck by Albert Pujols’ bat as Pujols followed through on a swing.

The injury occurred in the first inning when Pujols popped up to Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in short left field. Olivo went down immediately as Rockies medical personnel came to his aid.

He was placed on a stretcher and wheeled off the field in a cart, and underwent a CT scan and other tests at a St. Louis hospital. The Rockies felt very fortunate that he sustained only the concussion.

ST. LOUIS — Miguel Olivo is undergoing CT scans at a St. Louis hospital for his head and neck after being struck by Albert Pujols’ bat in the first inning of tonight’s Rockies-Cardinals game.

Olivo was struck as Pujols followed through on his swing after popping up to Troy Tulowitzki. He sat on the ground behind home plate for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and wheeled off in a cart.

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Miguel Olivo is carted off the field after being hurt by Albert Pujols’ bat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Olivio was diagnosed with a mild concussion.

ST. LOUIS — Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo’s season appears to be over.

Olivo took a serious blow to the head when Albert Pujols followed through on a swing in the first inning, and was carted off on a stretcher.

A handful of medical personnel from the Rockies and Cardinals tended to Olivo as he sat on the ground behind the plate. His neck was stabilized and he was placed on a stretcher, replaced by Chris Iannetta.

Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton reacts to popping out against the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 7, 2010, in Milwaukee. The Brewers defeated the Rockies 5-4.

Helton has a history of back problems and will turn 37 in August. That’s why Jim Tracy is bound and determined to get him significant rest over the course of the season.

And Helton, for the first time in his career, is receptive to it. It has everything to do with his fatigue level at the end of the season, which has contributed heavily to his .211 career batting average in the postseason.

Sure enough, after lining three hits Tuesday night, Helton didn’t flinch when his name wasn’t in the lineup for today’s afternoon game vs. the Brewers.

“I wasn’t,’’ said Helton, when asked if he were surprised to be out of the lineup after two games. “I mean, the game was over like eight hours ago. Games like that are tough to come back from. I want to have more left at the end of the season.’’

TUCSON — Bothered by lingering stiffness after playing catch, Huston Street has been shut down from throwing, according to head trainer Keith Dugger. Street told The Post that he’s hopeful that it doesn’t further delay his return.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Huston Street throws a simulated game at the team's spring training facility in Tucson, Ariz., on Monday, March 15, 2010. Street has be bothered by a soar shoulder since the first week of spring training.

“I don’t have a timeline, whether it’s late April, early May or mid May. The key is getting it stronger so when I come back there are no problems,” Street said.

Added Dugger, “It’s not normal. But these things happen,” said Dugger, who indicated that there are no plans for additional MRIs.

Dugger said the plan is for Street to increase his range of motion and strength before throwing again. Street was clearly disappointed in the clubhouse today. He said he wasn’t throwing, and was admittedly having “a bad day. I have been doing exercises for five hours a day.”

This is the third time Street has been shut down this spring, prompting concern.

For Street, this represents a different way to attack the same problem. He had said he was just going to throw through the stiffness. That’s why news he wasn’t playing catch raised a red flag. But Street is listening to the medical staff. And the feeling now is that by strengthening the shoulder first, it will prevent the stiffness.

“We want to eliminate the weakness, which we believe is causing the problem,” said Street, who converted 35 of 37 saves last season.

TUCSON — Scott Elarton, one of the greatest prep pitchers in Colorado history, is making a comeback. The tall right-hander who excelled with the Houston Astros before shoulder injuries derailed him with the Rockies, Royals and Indians, has signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox.

“I am very happy to get another shot,” Elarton told me this morning. “I am really going to enjoy this one.”

His signing was first reported by The Kansas City Star. Elarton owns a 56-61 career record with a 5.29 ERA. His best season came in 2000 when he won 17 games for the Astros. He bounced back in 2005, earning 11 victories for Cleveland. He sat out last year.

Free agent Joe Beimel told The Denver Post that he has not closed the door on returning to the Rockies. Colorado is actively looking to add another left-handed reliever given the strong possibility that Franklin Morales will open the year as the closer. Beimel is weighing interest from a handful of teams, including the Rockies and the Mets. Oakland could also have interest soon given their litany of bullpen injuries.

“I definitely have an interest in coming back (to Colorado),” Beimel said Thursday night. “I am just waiting to hear back from all the teams involved and make a decision from there.”

Beimel pitched two months for the Rockies last summer, compiling a 4.02 ERA. But he remained effective against left-handers, holding them to a .253 overall averge last season. Beimel has been throwing and working out regularly and believes he could be ready quickly after arriving in camp. He didn’t sign last season with Washington until the middle of March and opened the season on time.

TUCSON — Greg Reynolds slumped toward the clubhouse Monday afternoon, a grimace creasing his face. The star-crossed right-hander was hurt, suffering a bruised right elbow after getting smoked by a line drive in live batting practice.

Asked if he would miss his scheduled Cactus League debut Friday against the San Francisco Giants, “More than likely.”

He was slated to pitch two innings in Scottsdale, following Jeff Francis and Esmil Rogers. The Rockies already adjusted their Thursday schedule, removing Rafael Betancourt, who is still building strength after battling a three-week illness leading up to spring training.

Reynolds said he didn’t think anything was broken. His arm was wrapped in ice above his elbow, and he was being monitored by the training staff. It’s just the latest incident of bad luck for the former first-round pick. He made just one start last season, sabotaged by a rare shoulder problem that caused a popping sound when he threw. It was corrected through surgery this winter, and Reynolds has been encouraged by his progress this spring. His chance to impress, however, will have to wait as the swelling goes down in his elbow.

TUCSON — Never. That’s how many times the Rockies have had a player like Jason Giambi on their club.

How many bench players have their own private plane and help run a Las Vegas nightclub at the Hard Rock? Such is life for Jason Giambi, who is thrilled to be back with the Rockies. I ran into Giambi this morning as he was heading into the clubhouse. I immediately asked what made him come back to Colorado after talking with Minnesota about a DH job?

“Initially, I wasn’t sure there would be enough at-bats here. But after talking with (manager Jim) Tracy and Todd (Helton), I realized it could work. Todd needs a few more days off to have his strength at the end of the year,” Giambi said. “So with him on board, it was an easy decision. I love the guys here.”

TUCSON — The first sign that something was amiss was in the workout tent. Manuel Corpas was riding the elipitical instead of going station-to-station with his pitching group. Corpas, it turns out, has a slightly tweaked hamstring. It kept him out of pitchers fundamental practice, but is unlikely to keep him off the mound. I will monitor it. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious as I know from talking to Corpas he’s anxious to make a good first impression when the games begin.

The Rockies finished their workout today without any interruption. The rain stayed away. Couple of quick thoughts:
–Wow can Hector Gomez swing that bat. I can see why this kid has stuck around on the 40-man roster despite being plaqued by injuries. He goes old school, no batting gloves. He was working with hitting instructor Don Baylor on getting into a better load position. But man, he does he have a whippy swing. The ball just flees his bat.

–Todd Helton’s back is fine. He was regularly lining shots to all gaps and parked around five home runs beyond the right-field fence. Ian Stewart, who is working on a new swing with less movement in his stance, slammed nearly a dozen home runs.

–Clint Barmes has gone back to an open stance, a slightly less exaggerated version of what Garrett Atkins employed. Barmes felt like he was closing himself off was pitchers started pounding him inside. This should help him get to inside pitches more.

A few quick tidbits, with more coming later. Talked to Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd today, the highlights:
–The Rockies are still hoping to land right-handed reliever Kevin Gregg, but are not optimistic. Gregg has an opportunity to compete for the closer’s job with the Marlins. He would be a setup guy for the Rockies. The Rockies would love to have him to provide depth and options late. A decision should come this week.

–The Rockies are not in on Orlando Hudson. They did talk to his agent, but nothing ever progressed. With the signings of Melvin Mora and Jason Giambi, Colorado is saving its money for either a reliever (like Gregg) or an addition during the season.

–They believe Mora profiles perfectly because of his versatility and professionalism.

–The Rockies are not in on Felipe Lopez, either. Like the player, but not a fit at this point.

–Eric Young Jr. will be challenged to make the roster with the addition of Mora. But it’s too early to say he won’t because of potential injuries or poor performance.

–The Rockies have reached their 40-man roster limit, so an adjustment would have to be made to fit Gregg. The next few weeks will be spent adding non-roster invitees.

DENVER — An open clubhouse at Coors Field provided an opportunity to catch up with several Rockies today. I will have more later on many of these topics, but wanted to give you folks a taste of some of the more notable tidbits:

–Aaron Cook has lost 16 pounds, dropping to 204. He was barely recognizable with his full head of hair and noticeably thinner face. Cook believes the weight loss can help him avoid injuries that have sidelined him at the end of the past few seasons. “I trained the same way. I just watched what I ate, and I stopped eating late. I feel really good.”

–Huston Street began the offseason looking for a contract between $24-$27 million. He didn’t think a deal would get done when the Rockies’ first offer was for $18 million. The sides bridged the gap, settling on a three-year, $22.5 million deal with a mutual option for $9 million and a $500,000 buyout. It happened for two reasons: Street really wanted to be a Rockie — “It doesn’t do much good to be on a team that’s not going to win. And this team is going to win a lot.” And the closer market next winter could have featured as many as six solid free agents, making it a bigger risk to wait.

–ESPN is reporting that Jose Contreras has signed with the Phillies. The Rockies wanted to bring him back, but the sides were far apart financially. The Phillies make sense for Contreras, who will be given an opporunity to start and relieve. The chance to start in Colorado, as it stands, wasn’t there.

–Todd Helton was able to do heavier lifting this year, his back less of an issue. But he conceded that he was tired at the end of last season. “I would like to do something special and hit a home run, and not just slap the ball (at the end of the year).” That may mean he’s rests more during the season, especially with Brad Hawpe slated to get some time at first base.

–Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez never considered saying no. He loves baseball, so he played winterball for six weeks in Venezuela. “It’s fun. It’s what I do,” said Gonzalez, who will be featured in some of the TV promo ads this year.

–Troy Tulowitzki conducted a baseball clinic in New York with his idol Derek Jeter. “It was great to get to know him a little better. Some guys don’t like to do stuff like that, but I am sure they knew how much I look up to Jeter. He’s everything right about baseball.”

–Eric Young Jr. left winter ball early because of a bruised knee as a precaution. He’s been training in Denver all month, and looks forward to the challenge ahead. He’s going to see time at third base and left field in spring training, along with second and center. “I played left in high school, so it won’t be a huge adjustment. Third base is new to me, but I an anxious to get out there. Junior will also be joining his dad at Fantasy Camp in Tucson. Eric Young Sr. has taken over the role of camp commissioner if you will.

–Jason Hammel said his arm has responded well to a career-high workload. He believes working out with catcher Chris Iannetta all winter will only help his development.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.